Pete Smyser

Pete Smyser is an American jazz guitarist and teacher.^[1]

Jazz critics have likened Pete Smyser to such legendary guitarists as Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Jim Hall, and Barney Kessel. Smyser, who lives, teaches, and performs in southeastern Pennsylvania, is listed among greats in Maurice J. Summerfield's book The Jazz Guitar, and was on the Artist Roster of the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour (PennPAT) from 1997 to 2004. He is also an endorser for American Archtop guitars.^[2]

Pete Smyser performs solo, duo or ensemble concert performances and educational programs. Pete's concert repertoire is centered on Great American Songbook and jazz standards, classical guitar selections, as well as original compositions.

Background

Smyser has appeared on television and radio shows in addition to countless performances at festivals, clubs, universities, and churches. In addition to these appearances, he has given frequent performances at the top jazz clubs in the greater Philadelphia area. He has shared the bandstand with many notable jazz artists including Warren Vache, Larry McKenna, John Swana, Claude "The Fiddler" Williams, Grant Stewart, Steve Gilmore, and Robert "Bootsie" Barnes.

Reception

The album Opportunity Knocks was recorded with Mike Boone, Byron Landham, and Sid Simmons. Karl Stark, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, said, "The mostly trio session with bassist Mike Boone and drummer Byron Landham could stand up to an old Wes Montgomery disc. The swing is deep, the intentions old-school. Smyser's tunes go down easily... The set is highly traditional and worthy of wider recognition."^[3]

Discography

• Opportunity Knocks
• Pete Smyser - Solo Guitar
• Pete Smyser & Larry McKenna
• The Scene is Clean
• Out of Nowhere
• Hanging by the Chimney

External links

• Review of American Archtop

References